Campaigners bid to save Horsforth Park dog

More than 5000 people have signed a petition to save a dog found in a Leeds park earlier this week.

The male Staffordshire-type dog was found in Horsforth Hall Park last Monday. He had been tied to park railings, but had chewed through the lead and tried to seek shelter.

The dog was taken by the warden, and is now being assessed by police, who suspect he may be a dangerous breed. If he is found to be a dangerous 'type', police are faced with two options - to return him to his owner (provided he has no criminal convictions) or to destroy the animal.

Local MP, Stuart Andrew, is among those involved in the campaign to save the dog.

West Yorkshire Police say the dog is currently 'awaiting assessment' - it has not yet been established whether the dog is of a banned breed or not.

Roz Hedley, from a lost dog help website 'Murphy's Army', says the criteria used to decide whether or not a dog should be put down are 'all wrong'.

Campaigners are now vying to find the person who is registered on his chip.